Stories of inspiration

In Memory of Cesar A. Buenaventura

December 12, 2025

By Sebastian C. Quiniones Jr., Executive Director, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.

CAB once wrote a book titled “I Have a Story to Tell.” I believe that everyone whose life has intersected with his can say the same. I am one of them, and I am honored to share my own story of the man who shaped not only institutions, but also the character and purpose of the people who worked with him.

I had the privilege of serving as the seventh Executive Director of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., the organization he founded on August 19, 1982. CAB was our Founding Chairman, and he remained a hands-on leader until he was called to the Lord.

A Sharp Mind and a Front-Row Seat to History

CAB possessed a fantastic memory. He could effortlessly recall crude prices, foreign exchange levels, and key figures from the 1950s through the 1990s. More than that, he remembered the events surrounding those moments, often because he was right there in the middle of shaping the future.

He narrated stories with clarity, honesty, and a gift for seeing both the people and the issues with depth. What amazed me most was his humility. He never overstated his contributions, even though the results of his actions spoke volumes. He got things moving, followed through with a steady hand, and nudged until things were done.

In the years our lives intersected, I saw firsthand how he made his mark on the Shell Companies in the Philippines, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., and Malampaya. Others will speak of the many more areas he shaped, but these were where I witnessed his leadership up close.

A Leader With Heart and Conviction

Our weekly WhatsApp and Viber exchanges became a rhythm I will deeply miss. Often these were followed by quick conversations to clarify subtle details that “cannot be written.” These moments revealed who he was at his core.

CAB was passionate about helping others and using every resource available to create sustainable change. He demanded excellence, encouraged focused action, and never allowed anyone to get lost in unnecessary details. Some would say he was a tough boss. To me, he was a principled one. He combined firmness with empathy and maintained an unwavering sense of what was right. He was always on the right side.

I thank the Lord for the seven years I had the privilege of working with him in PSFI and Malampaya. These years will remain precious to me. They were years of learning, challenge, growth, and the quiet but lasting influence of a leader who lived his purpose fully.

As we honor his life, I hold on to one promise that I now share with the entire PSFI family.

CAB, we will do things safe and do things right always. And we will continue to teach folks to fish. The service to others continues.

Through the Bayanihan Bulilit initiative, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC), and volunteers from the Shell Pasacao Terminal joined community partners to prepare Child Development Centers in Pasacao, Camarines Sur for the new school year. The collective effort provided learning materials, improved classroom facilities, and created better learning environments for 243 young learners.

Makulay Dahil Bahagi Ka: When Representation Opens Doors and Saves Lives

This Pride Month, PSFI celebrates Basha Cancillar, a community leader whose journey from a young volunteer to an HIV advocate is helping create safer, more inclusive spaces for people affected by and living with HIV. Through PROTECTS UPSCALE and partnerships with community organizations, Basha champions representation, dignity, and access to healthcare, proving that when people are seen, heard, and empowered, lives can be transformed.

More Than a Reunion: Celebrating Four Decades of the SKIL Legacy

More than four decades after receiving the opportunity to build their futures through the SKIL Program, alumni from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao came together to celebrate a legacy of transformation, achievement, and service. Their stories stand as a testament to the enduring power of education, skills development, and the belief that true success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by how we help others succeed.

Project PASA Strengthens Sustainability and Community Impact Through MOA Signing

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), Shell Business Operations Manila, and Shell Pilipinas Corporation formalized their partnership for Project PASA (Passing Along Sustainably used Assets), an initiative that gives used furniture, mobile devices, and equipment a second life. Through the partnership, pre-loved assets are redirected to underserved communities, advancing sustainability, circularity, and social impact by ensuring valuable resources continue creating opportunities where they are needed most.

Makulay Dahil Bahagi Ka: How Joan dela Cerna is Building a Future Rooted in Care

After years of working abroad to provide for her family, Joan dela Cerna returned home with a renewed determination to build a future closer to her children. Through the Medical Scholarship Program (MSP) supported by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI), she is pursuing her dream of becoming a caregiver while balancing her roles as a mother, student, and breadwinner. Her story is a reminder that when people are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute, they can create meaningful change for themselves, their families, and their communities.

RESCUE in Action: Building Fire-Ready and Resilient Communities in Macabalan

Under its RESCUE (Response to Communities Under Emergencies) program, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation, conducted a two-day fire safety and emergency response training in Barangay Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City. In partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection and the local government unit, the initiative equipped community volunteers and residents with essential fire prevention and response skills, helping strengthen local preparedness and build more resilient communities.